iTunes 10.5 and later: Troubleshooting iTunes Wi-Fi Syncing

Wi-Fi Syncing requires:

• An iOS device running iOS 5 or later on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer running iTunes 10.5 or later on:
  
  • OS X Mountain Lion, OS X Lion, or Snow Leopard (version 10.6.8)
    or
  • Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7

Make sure your iOS device, iTunes, and operating system are up-to-date:

• To update an iOS device, follow the directions in this article.
• To update iTunes and OS X:
  
  • Choose Software Update from the Apple () menu. Install any listed updates related to iTunes or OS X.
• To update Windows:
  
  • See Microsoft's Windows update page.

In order to sync your content to your iOS device via Wi-Fi, you first enable that option in iTunes. To do so:

1. Connect your iOS device with your computer using the USB cable that comes with your iOS device.
2. Open iTunes and select your device on the left side of the iTunes window. In iTunes 11, your device will be listed in the upper-right. If you've expanded the sidebar from the "View" menu, your device will appear there instead.
3. Click the Summary tab. 

   

4. Scroll down to the Options section and enable the "Sync with this iOS device over Wi-Fi" option. Click the Apply Button.

If connectivity issues persist, quit and reopen iTunes on your computer. Then, restart your iOS device.

Restart your home network router using the method recommended in documentation from the manufacturer. This may include disconnecting the power cord for thirty seconds or more.

Note: During this period, Internet services such as a VoIP-based phone will not work, and any additional network devices may need to be reset in sequence.

Wi-Fi syncing requires a Wi-Fi network with an active Internet connection. Verify that your iOS devices and computer are connected to the same network over Wi-Fi.

• Network configuration changes may interfere with syncing. These can include:
  
  • VPN configurations
  • Extending the Wi-Fi network via multiple wireless access points or routers
  • Guest networks or other security configurations that limit access between devices
  • Routers that configure different networks for different frequencies such as 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz
  • Connecting the computer via Ethernet
• Your computer needs to be awake and have iTunes running in order to sync. If the computer is asleep, or if iTunes is not running, the device may not be able to initiate a sync.
• Your router needs to be up-to-date. If you are using an AirPort or Time Capsule, read this article to find out more about firmware updates. If you are using a router from another manufacturer, contact the manufacturer to inquire about available updates.

If you're experiencing intermittent connectivity or significantly reduced performance issues when syncing via Wi-Fi, it may be due to potential sources of wireless interference, such as:

• Microwave ovens
• Cordless phones
• Physical barriers such as metal walls, or excessive distances between your computer, base station, and iOS devices.

Try the following to help reduce network interference:

• Move your iOS device and computer closer to the Wi-Fi router or base station to see if the Wi-Fi signal improves.
• Check for sources of potential interference.
• Remove your iOS device from any case, stand, or other attachment to see if the Wi-Fi signal improves.
• Open Safari and try to load a webpage to see if the Wi-Fi signal improves.

If you have a firewall enabled in your router or computer, make sure that the firewall is not blocking communication between your computer and iOS device. In order to use the built-in firewall option with iTunes on your Mac, follow the directions in this article. For non-Apple firewalls and security software, refer to the developer/manufacturer for assistance.

Note: Mac computers use port 123 to set the date and time automatically. Incorrect date and time on a computer or iOS device can cause issues for connections in general. 

If you are unsure if your router has a firewall or if the required ports are open, do the following to help isolate the issue:

• Enable Wi-Fi Syncing for additional iOS devices on your network to see if they have the same issue. (See the previous steps about enabling Wi-Fi Syncing for these additional devices).
• Test your device on a different network. If the device works on another network, the issue most likely exists with your router or network configuration. Contact your router manufacturer or Internet service provider for additional troubleshooting.

If you use another security or firewall software on your computer or router, follow iTunes: Troubleshooting security software issues, contact the manufacturer, or check the documentation on how to open TCP ports 123 and 3689, as well as UDP ports 123 and 5353.